Meet Some of the Faces Behind Sea of Sounds

M.S.Ed., Certified General & Special Education Teacher, Birth–Grade 2 | Structured Literacy Teacher | Orton-Gillingham Educator

Ms. Lauren is a caring kindergarten and structured literacy teacher with 14 years of experience working with children through the Department of Education. She is passionate about helping children feel confident, capable, and excited about learning.

Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, Ms. Lauren provides structured, multisensory literacy instruction that helps children strengthen foundational reading, phonics, spelling, and language skills. Through her after-school Orton-Gillingham Clinic, she creates a warm and supportive space where children can learn at their own pace, celebrate their progress, and build confidence along the way.

Ms. Lauren holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an additional certificate in Children with Special Needs. Her years of classroom experience have taught her that every child learns differently, and that patience, encouragement, and the right approach can make a meaningful difference.

Ms. Lauren feels privileged to partner with families and support each child on their unique literacy journey—helping them not only become stronger readers, but also believe in themselves as learners.

M.S.Ed., NYS-Certified Elementary Educator | Structured Literacy & Multisensory Math Instructor

Ms. Gianna is a New York State certified elementary teacher with over five years of teaching experience in New York City Department of Education public schools. She is certified in General Education (Grades 1–6) and has taught in both General Education and Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classrooms, providing individualized support to students with a wide range of learning needs and abilities.

Ms. Gianna is passionate about helping children become confident, capable learners through engaging, evidence-based instruction. She specializes in multisensory math, using hands-on, interactive teaching strategies that help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while strengthening problem-solving skills and confidence. Her warm, supportive approach creates a positive learning environment where students feel empowered to take risks, build independence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

M.S.Ed., Certified General & Special Education Teacher, Birth–Grade 6 | Birth–Grade 2 Extension | Multisensory Math Instructor | Orton-Gillingham Educator

Ms. Christina is a New York State certified Childhood Education teacher (Birth–Grade 6) and an Orton-Gillingham trained educator with over 7 years of experience who is passionate  about helping children build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning. She believes every child learns differently and is committed to creating a supportive, encouraging environment where each student can thrive and reach their full potential.

Ms. Christina specializes in providing structured, individualized instruction that helps students develop strong foundational literacy skills while building confidence in their abilities. Through engaging, evidence-based teaching practices and a patient, nurturing approach, she makes learning meaningful, motivating, and enjoyable, celebrating every milestone as her students grow into successful, independent learners.

M.S.Ed NYS Certified General Education Teacher, Grades 1–6 | M.S. in Literacy | Structured Math and Literacy Instructor 

Ms. Beesan is a passionate and dedicated educator with 8 years of teaching experience in New York State. Throughout her career, she has taught both 3rd and 4th grade and has extensive experience working with students in the ASD Nest Program, giving her a strong understanding of how to support diverse learning needs and individual learning styles.

Ms. Beesan believes that every child can learn when they are given the right tools, support, and encouragement. She takes the time to meet students where they are academically and build from their individual strengths and needs. Her goal is to create a positive, encouraging learning environment where students feel confident, capable, and excited to learn.

With a Master’s degree in Literacy and a strong background in elementary education, Ms. Beesan uses engaging and multisensory approaches to make learning meaningful and accessible. She especially enjoys teaching mathematics, helping students develop strong foundational skills while building their confidence and problem-solving abilities.

Above all, Ms. Beesan believes that learning should be fun, engaging, and empowering. She strives to make every tutoring session a positive experience where students can grow academically while developing the confidence to become independent learners.

M.S.Ed NYS Certified General Education Teacher, Grades 1–6 | M.S. in Special Education | Structured Math and Literacy

With over nine years of experience within the New York City Department of Education, Ms. Liz is a highly experienced special education teacher dedicated to helping children reach their fullest academic, social, and developmental potential.

Throughout her career, Ms. Liz has worked extensively with students with autism, cognitive delays, emotional and behavioral needs, and diverse learning profiles. Her experience has given her a strong understanding of how children learn differently and the importance of identifying the individual strengths, needs, and learning style of each student.

Ms. Liz takes a highly individualized, student-centered approach to instruction. She incorporates structured teaching, differentiated instruction, multisensory learning, hands-on experiences, and targeted academic supports to meet students at their current level while systematically building the skills needed for continued progress and independence.

At the core of Ms. Liz’s philosophy is the belief that meaningful learning begins with connection. She is committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, understood, valued, and supported, while maintaining high expectations for growth. Her work extends beyond academics to strengthen confidence, independence, self-advocacy, social-emotional development, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Ms. Liz is passionate about helping every child recognize their capabilities, overcome challenges, and experience meaningful success both inside and beyond the classroom.

 B.A., Creative Writing Instructor & Published Author

Mark El-Ayat is a published author and New York City educator with experience teaching English and creative writing across NYC public schools. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Forensic Psychology from John Jay College and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Education, while working toward New York State ELA certification.

As the author of four books, including a fiction anthology and a series of creative writing workbooks, Mark brings a working writer’s perspective to the classroom. Through the Creative Writing Club at Sea of Sounds, he is passionate about helping students discover their individual voices, strengthen their written communication skills, and develop the confidence to express their ideas creatively.

His approach blends explicit craft instruction with the authentic habits of writers—brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and completing meaningful pieces of work. Mark strives to help students become not only stronger writers, but also more confident thinkers and communicators.